Letter Holder

Q: I have what I think is a brass letter holder. It has this mark on it with the letters “VM.” Can you tell me anything about it?

 

A: This mark was used by Virginia Metalcrafters of Waynesboro, Virginia. The company was started by W.J. Loth Co. in 1890. It made stoves and cast iron hollowware. It began making brass items in 1936 and became Virginia Metalcrafters. The company made reproduction items for Colonial Williamsburg and other items in colonial style. New designs were also made. Your letter holder seems to be inspired by old letter holders but probably isn’t an exact copy. Resale value, under $75.